Application Deadline: Extended until March 1, 2018

Global Explorations in Chinese Business and Culture is an experiential study abroad program in traveling throughout China. The program will visit various areas of China: Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. Additionally, there will be several visits to nearby towns and islands such as Lantau Island, Kowloon, and Macau. The program will begin in Beijing, which is the city with the most eastern Asian feel and will have the most cultural adjustment. Some businesses that we will visit include TusPark, Amazon, and Lenovo.

The program will continue to Shanghai by airplane. Shanghai is also considered a SAR (special administrative region), and is the largest city in China, as well as the most influential economic, finance, and trade center in East China. This modern city intertwines eastern and western cultures. Shanghai business visits will include a Disney Resort case study, Volkswagen, GE, and Accenture.

Hong Kong is an economic free trade zone with its own political and monetary system. Hong Kong has two official languages, Cantonese and English. Business visits will include a Hong Kong Stock Exchange, a top finance firm, a global luxury firm, and International Financial Center’s (IFC) Monetary Authority.

Throughout the entire program, we will be meeting with local universities. We will participate in case studies and workshops discussing various aspects of doing business in China. We will meet with Pamplin alumni both formally and informally. We will gain cultural competency through visits to history and art museums, as well as various dining customs experiences.

Additionally, four students will be able to remain in China for an internship at the conclusion of the program. Students will be chosen on a competitive basis, and at additional (minimal) costs.

STUDENT HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION

Students will stay in a hotel in the city center of each of our destinations: Beijing, Shanghai, and Hong Kong. We will travel as a group by plane to and from the United States. Our group travels in country will be by train and airplane between cities. We will use local transportation within cities and between islands (buses, trains, boats, and ferries.

You will receive 3 credits – either:

MGT 3954

MGT 5954

MGT 3954 Undergraduates will receive credit for MGT 3954, and graduate students for MGT 5954 Study Abroad. This course can also be substituted for the Area 3 and/or Area 7 requirement. These credits count as elective credits and help to complete the requirements of Pamplin’s International Business Minor.

Students must write a group paper on an assigned Chinese company, as well as read a book about the area and do a short book report, prior to the program. Case studies/alumni workshop reports, a detailed journal and completing observations on cultural differences between China and the US is also required during the program. Participation in all activities of the program is required.

**If you wish to take a total of six credits - see Dr. Clevenger about an independent study

Program fees are $7,650. A non-refundable deposit of $1,000, payable online, is due after acceptance into the program, with the balance of program fees due by a date to be determined.

Application Deadline: February 1st

Cost

In-state

Out-of-state

Program Fee

$7,650

$7,650

Tuition & Fees - est.

$1206

$3000

Meals not provided

$450

$450

Lodging

Included

Included

Required Group Travel

Included

Included

Airfare

Included

Included

Passport

$135

$135

Visa

$140

$140

Personal & Other Expenses

$600

$600

Total Estimated Expenses:

$10,181

$11,975

Note

Virginia Tech reserves the right to make cancellations, date and cost adjustments, and other necessary changes in the program. Prices may change due to global economic conditions.

Financial Aid

Your financial aid eligibility might apply to this program. You must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to the University Financial Aid Office. In addition, you must submit the study abroad cost documentation form to the study abroad office at the International Affairs building, 526 Prices Fork Road, room 131. The form can be found on the Education Abroad Financial Aid page.

Space is limited for this program. There are up to 20 seats available for the program. The application deadline is March 1st.

Go to the VT Education Abroad site and complete the application process. Click the “Apply Now” button and follow the instructions.

ELIGIBILITY

Freshmen through Seniors, and Graduate Students

Minimum GPA: 2.3 (We will use mid-term grades for freshmen to determine eligibility).

Non-business students and graduate students are also welcome to participate, and will receive 3 credits.

Each student must have a valid passport from their home country. You can apply for a passport in Squires Student Center.

You should insure that you have the proper vaccinations for this program. This can be done through the University’s recommended travel clinic (Intravene), a county health department, or your family physician. Your family physician usually does not have the more specialized vaccines and should refer you to the county health department. You can see a list of recommended vaccinations and other health information at the CDC travel website.